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Christians get too uppity about greetings

By Bret Bushaw, Sterling

Dec. 8, 2012

It’s inevitable that every winter, Christians battle with other religious and non-religious groups over what should be said during the holiday season. After observing this phenomenon for many years, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: It is not a war on Christmas; it is a war on words.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind if someone tells me “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or even “Happy Kwanzaa.” What I do mind is if I give a simple “Happy Holidays,” and someone rudely replies, “It’s ‘Merry Christmas.”

I don’t see why Christians have to get so uppity over “Happy Holidays” since the phrase encompasses all religious winter holidays, not just Christmas.

It seems most (not all) Christians believe that since Christianity has been a major religion for a long time, their religious practices should take precedence over others. That isn’t the case anymore since other groups have been able to come out and have their voices heard.

Until Christians can accept the fact that people of other faiths don’t follow Christian practices and/or don’t want to feel ashamed because they celebrate a different holiday, this childish fight will continue.

To quote Bob Dylan, “The times they are a-changin’.”

I find it funny since Christmas actually comes from pagan traditions, celebrating the winter solstice. The Christian cross and the Christmas tree are just some of the items taken from paganism.

Concerning Harold Hunt’s letter on Dec. 1: No, America was not “born because of Christianity.” Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, signed by President John Adams and ratified in 1797, clearly states that “the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” Also, cities can’t have nativity scenes on courthouse lawns or town squares because it violates the establishment clause of the Constitution.